Distribution for documentaries is fast changing and we are entering a whole new world where our documentaries are available 24 hours a day to anyone who would like to view them, sometimes at a price: It’s called Video on Demand – VOD.

New companies have formed to meet this demand from educators, libraries and the general public. We will hear from three of the biggest: Kanopy, ABC Commercial and BeamAfilm.

Kanopy has been aggregating educational content from distributors in Australia and Worldwide. They stream programs to tertiary institutions, which can then be accessed by any computer, iPod or other media device.ABC Commercial’s digital distribution strategy is to license ABC content non-exclusively to a wide variety of digital platforms in Australia and internationally including iTunes, Fairfax TV, TiVO, Fetch, BT Vision and SeeSaw. They distribute an extensive back catalogue of documentaries including a number of Film Australia titles and are also actively looking for new acquisitions. BeamAFilm, launching their portal in early 2012, is aggregating a distinct collection of independent documentaries with an aim to raise the profile of documentary and create financial returns for the industry. In a secure streaming environment with a number of unique value-adds, films will be marketed internationally via the beamAfilm website and also sub-licensed across global VOD networks.

With internet streaming new apps have been developed. We will hear from Peter Tapp, of ATOM, who is currently working on developing iPhone and iPad apps and ebooks for iTunes and the Android markets and exploring the new revenue streams that these markets can open up for Australian producers and distributors, not only through sales of the film but also sales of the app itself and copyright income derived from the copying of the study guide.

We will also hear about FilmTank a new digital film distribution platform to be released in 2012 from Red Gaffa – digital agency dedicated to the film industry that specialises in online marketing, branding, social media and digital content distribution.

We will also hear from Thomas Mai, a very experienced Scandinavian sales agent and producer (notably for Lars von Trier), recently moved to Sydney, who will speak about film distribution at festivals/markets around the world.

Speakers:

Olivia Humphrey is the managing director of Kanopy, a Perth-based company. Olivia set up Kanopy two years ago and the company both streams programs and sells DVD from it’s website to tertiary institutions.

Jessica Ellis is the Manager of the Digital Sales & Distribution business within ABC Commercial and has over 10 years experience in the media industry within Australia,

Gil Scrine is Director, Acquisitions for beamAfilm and also runs Antidote Films – a Brisbane based independent distributor specialising in art-house films and social documentaries.

Louise van Rooyen is Director – Business Development for beamafilm. She has 15+ years experience with internet-based businesses and also runs her own consultancy, PPi.

Peter Tapp is Editor of Metro and Screen Education and is based in Melbourne.

Natalie Itzkowic and Tamara Piller from Red Gaffa are involved in innovative distribution, in particular the FilmTank platform.

Thomas Mai, a sales agent and producer who coaches film makers around the world on how they can apply the new digital possibilities and grow a global audience for their films.

RSVP not required, but be early to ensure your seat. Please invite your friends and colleagues too! This event is open to the public. Parking fees discounted after 6pm, or with validated ticket from AFTRS.

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